Just like any other table tennis skills, developing a tactical mindset takes discipline. As I work through the various styles over the coming weeks and teach you how to play against various opponents, I want you to understand that you too can think of your own tactics. I’m not very smart, I’m just an average guy. However, I do spend quality time thinking. You too can develop this same discipline.

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith

Playing the right tactics is one of the vital keys to winning your next match. In order to know which tactics to play, it is often helpful to label your opponent as a looper, chopper, lobber, blocker, etc. Once you have placed him in a category, then you can begin making a game-plan. (please realize that many playing styles overlap)

Players often strategize on how to beat their rivals. They spend endless hours studying video clips of the strategies that their opponents will be using against them. Instead of focusing merely on your opponent, try to get into your rival’s head and think what he is thinking…

Write up a detailed game plan on how to beat yourself!

1. What are your main strengths and weaknesses?
2. What are some common game patterns that you use?
3. What kinds of serves do you commonly use?
4. What is your preferred way to return serves?

On the flight to the US Open, I enjoyed reading Larry Hodges’ book - Professional Table Tennis Coaches' Handbook.
As we open the NEW Samson Dubina Table Tennis academy this spring, we need to focus on continuing to recruit new players and retain existing players. This book did a great job of detailing both! Thanks Larry!

If you ever took piano lessons, you probably know that there is a very systematic approach for beginners. Often there is a 30 or 60 min lesson each week. The student is given a couple songs to perfect during the week. When he/she goes for the lesson the following week, they will likely get those songs checked off and given new songs to play the following week. Once you have mastered a song, then you typically don’t go back 3 years later and keep working on the same one because you have moved on…